New ambassadors talk Kosovo, bilateral ties

New ambassadors talk Kosovo, bilateral ties

"Our position on KosovoMetohija is well known. We remain devoted to diplomatic dialogue in favor of finding a mutually acceptable solution, in accordance with guidelines laid down by the UN Security Council," said Canaes.

He added that Brazil and Serbia shared a history of excellent relations and Brazil considered Serbia a reliable and important partner in Europe.

The new ambassador recalled that Brazil was one of the few countries whose embassies in Belgrade had remained open during the NATO bombing of 1999, a proof of solidarity with the Serbian people.

He said that Brazil supported Serbia’s progress towards membership of the EU and the World Trade Organization (WTO) and called for further strengthening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, which he believes would be enhanced through signing an agreement on visa-free tourist travel between the two countries.

Nikolić thanked Brazil for its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia and for stressing the need of reaching a fair, long-term solution to the Kosovo and Metohija issue.

Nikolić said that Serbia and Brazil had long fostered mutual understanding and close cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels and, above all, friendship and solidarity in time of need.

The Serbian president thanked the Brazil government for the solidarity they had shown in the aftermath of the recent flooding in Serbia.

Serbia is interested in intensifying the political dialogue with Brazil at all levels and in promoting all-round cooperation, especially in the economic sphere, Nikolić said.

"Stronger ties"

Another newly-appointed ambassador to Serbia, Pakistan's Arif Mahmood, also on Monday presented his letter of credence to the president.

He stated during the ceremony that his country was "committed to further strengthening of relations with Serbia in all areas of mutual interest, economy and trade in particular."

Mahmood said that the two countries have good friendly relations, adding that Pakistan highly appreciates the stability and maturity of the political system, people's trust in state institutions and the new government's focus on economic development and regional integration which, as he put it, will yield numerous benefits for Serbia and its neighbors.

He expressed deep condolences to the Serbian government and people regarding the tragic loss they suffered in the recent floods.

Nikolić underlined that Serbia has identified the EU integration process as its foreign policy priority, but at the same time it wants to cherish and develop good relations with all countries in the world.

“Serbia is ready to foster dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest particularly in the sphere of economy,” Nikolić said.